Kennewick High gets new principal

KENNEWICK -- The Kennewick School District on Thursday named Van Cummings of Educational Service District 123 as the new principal of Kennewick High School.

"We are fortunate to have Van Cummings on board to lead Kennewick High School," said Ron Williamson, Kennewick School District's assistant superintendent for secondary education. "He has worked in schools with similar demographics, has many years of experience as a leader, and brings a broad base of knowledge on current school improvement initiatives."

Cummings replaces former Principal Jack Anderson, who left the high school after nine years to take a job as the district's federal projects director.

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Cummings, of Richland, has more than 20 years' experience as a middle and high school administrator.

He has worked in the Warden, Othello, Dayton and Clarkston school districts and has 10 years of classroom teaching experience.

He has worked for ESD 123 since 2008 as the director for school improvement, working with 23 school districts to improve instruction through federal and state education initiatives. He also has helped them with accreditation, Title I programs and has supervised student teachers for the Alternative Pathways to Teaching consortium.

"I am excited to join the Kennewick School District," Cummings said. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with the staff, students and parents of Kennewick High School."